Delta SkyMiles is the most popular frequent flyer program among the three US legacy carriers, and it is easy to see why. Delta runs the most operationally reliable airline in the US, and SkyMiles never expire, which makes the program forgiving for casual accumulators. The best Delta credit cards allow users to accumulate SkyMiles faster and enjoy perks like free checked bags and lounge access while traveling with Delta.
Delta’s credit card portfolio is issued exclusively by American Express, which gives SkyMiles a distinct structure compared to other US airline programs. All seven Delta co-branded cards are issued by Amex. Amex also issues its own Membership Rewards cards, and Membership Rewards points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at 1:1, creating a second path to building a SkyMiles balance through everyday spending on more rewarding non-co-branded cards.
Compare credit cards for Delta
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Limited Time Offer: Earn 200,000 Bonus Miles. Offer ends 11/4/26.
- Annual Companion Certificate
- Upgrade Priority
- First Checked Bag Free
Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 200,000 Bonus Miles after spending $20,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge.
- Save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide - and on domestic Delta flights, your second bag flies free too.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants for eligible purchases using your enrolled card.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Enjoy travel without foreign transaction fees from American Express with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 200,000 Bonus Miles after spending $20,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Annual Companion Certificate
- First Checked Bag Free
- Priority Boarding
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn two round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
- Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Earn two round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles. Offer ends 11/4/26.
- Earn 2x SkyMiles on purchases directly with Delta
- First Checked Bag Free
- Priority Boarding
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of eligible purchases per category, per year.
Earn 2 Miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- Card Members save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights when using delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of eligible purchases per category, per year.
- Earn 2 Miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants.
- Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you and up to 8 travel companions in your reservation. Plus, as a Basic Card Member, you can check your second bag for free on domestic Delta flights.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- NEW: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. That's up to $120 back annually. Enrollment required.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $150 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel overseas.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Limited Time: As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $250 Statement Credit. Offer ends 11/04/2026
- Earn 2x SkyMiles on purchases directly with Delta
- First Checked Bag Free
- Delta Flight Voucher
Earn 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get your second bag free when flying domestically.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- Send money, split purchases, and focus on the moments that matter - with Send & Split®. Powered by Venmo and PayPal. Enrollment Required. Terms apply.
- Terms Apply.
Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles. Offer ends 11/4/26.
- Earn 3x SkyMiles for purchases directly with Delta
- First Checked Bag Free
- Annual Companion Certificate
Earn 3 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with hotels.
Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after renewal of your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.
- Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
- Your first checked bag flies free on international and domestic Delta flights. And now, your second checked bag flies free on domestic Delta flights too.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
- With the $120 Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits at over 10,000 qualifying U.S Resy restaurants for eligible purchases using your enrolled Card.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $200 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Limited Time: As High As 90,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $300 Statement Credit. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Earn 3x SkyMiles for purchases directly with Delta
- Annual Companion Certificate
- First Checked Bag Free
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 90,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Resy Credit: Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get your second bag free when flying domestically.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee every 4 years, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.§
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $350 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 90,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Earn 10,000 bonus miles
- Earn 2x SkyMiles on purchases directly with Delta
- 20% Delta Inflight Savings
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Delta credit cards overview
Before getting into the full lineup, here’s the quick comparison:
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Bonus | Lounge access | Companion certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal cards | |||||
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve | (Rates & Fees) | 3x SkyMiles for purchases directly with Delta (including flights and Delta Vacations) 1x SkyMiles on all other eligible purchases | First bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you + up to 8 companions, second bag free on domestic flights | 15 Sky Club visits per Medallion year, 4 guest passes, Centurion Lounge when flying Delta. Unlimited Sky Club after $75K annual spend | Roundtrip, Delta Main through Delta First (U.S., select Caribbean and Central America) |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum | (Rates & Fees) | 3x SkyMiles for purchases made directly with Delta 3x SkyMiles for purchases made directly with hotels 2x SkyMiles at restaurants 2x SkyMiles at U.S. supermarkets 1x SkyMiles on other eligible purchases | First bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you + up to 8 companions, second bag free on domestic flights | None | Roundtrip, main cabin (lower 48, select Caribbean and Central America) |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold | (Rates & Fees) | 2x SkyMiles for purchases directly with Delta, including flights, Delta Sky Club® memberships, seat upgrades, and more 2x SkyMiles at restaurants globally 2x SkyMiles at U.S. supermarkets 1x SkyMiles on all other eligible purchases | First bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you + up to 8 companions, second bag free on domestic flights | None | None |
| Delta SkyMiles® Blue | $0 (Rates & Fees) | 2x Delta and dining; 1x everything else | N/A | None | None |
| Business cards | |||||
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business | $650 (Rates & Fees) | 3X Miles on direct Delta purchases 1.5X Miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply stores 1X Mile on other eligible purchases | First bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you + up to 8 companions, second bag free on domestic flights | 15 Sky Club visits per Medallion year, 4 guest passes, Centurion Lounge when flying Delta | Roundtrip, Delta Main through Delta First |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business | $350 (Rates & Fees) | 3x SkyMiles for purchases directly with Delta 3x SkyMiles for purchases made directly with hotels 2x SkyMiles at restaurants 2x SkyMiles at U.S. supermarkets 1x SkyMiles on other eligible purchases | First bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you + up to 8 companions, second bag free on domestic flights | None | Roundtrip, main cabin (domestic, select Caribbean and Central America) |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (Rates & Fees) | 2X Miles on direct Delta purchases 2X Miles at eligible U.S. shipping providers & select media advertising (caps apply) 2X Miles at restaurants 1X Mile on other eligible purchases | First bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you + up to 8 companions, second bag free on domestic flights | None | None |
Three things to know about choosing a Delta card
MQDs are the key variable for Delta status, and the co-branded cards earn them differently
Delta moved to a purely MQD-based status system, meaning all Medallion elite qualifications are determined by how many Medallion Qualifying Dollars you accumulate. The Reserve Card earns one MQD per $10 spent, the Platinum earns one MQD per $20 spent, and the Gold earns no MQDs at all. Every personal and business Delta card also provides a 2,500 MQD annual head start just for holding it. If earning Medallion status through credit card spending is part of your strategy, the Reserve is the most efficient tool, but the Platinum remains viable for reaching lower status tiers with less annual spending. No Amex MR card earns MQDs under any circumstances.
The once-in-a-lifetime rule is the most important Amex restriction to understand
Unlike many other card programs with time-based bonus restrictions, Amex enforces a once-in-a-lifetime rule on Delta co-branded cards, meaning you can only receive the welcome bonus on each card product once, ever. This makes sequencing and timing significantly more important with Delta Amex cards than with Citi or Chase products. If you got the Gold a decade ago, you may not be eligible for that welcome bonus again. This also means the Delta business cards are particularly valuable as a second bite at multiple large bonuses that are fully independent from the personal card history.
The companion certificate tiers have different flexibility
The companion certificates offered by the Platinum and Reserve personal cards, and the Platinum and Reserve business cards, are not equivalent. The Reserve-level companion certificate is valid from main cabin all the way through Delta First, which can be worth thousands of dollars if you book premium cabin travel with a companion. For someone who regularly flies in business or first class domestically, the Reserve companion certificate is materially more valuable than the Platinum version, and that difference is worth factoring into the annual fee comparison.
Co-branded Delta personal cards
All three personal Delta Amex cards are issued by American Express, and Amex’s general application rules apply. These include the once-in-a-lifetime rule, meaning the welcome bonus on each card is only available once per person per card product. Eligibility for each personal card is also tied to other personal cards in the portfolio: you are not eligible for the Gold welcome bonus if you currently have or have had the Platinum or Reserve personal card, and you are not eligible for the Platinum welcome bonus if you currently have or have had the Reserve personal card. However, eligibility for any personal card is unrelated to whether you have any of the business Delta Amex cards.
Top Pick: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Welcome bonus
The annual fee (Rates & Fees) Delta Reserve Card is offering the following multi-part limited-time bonus: Earn two round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
If we give each certificate a value of 50,000 SkyMiles, at my valuation of 1.1 cents per SkyMile, that bonus is worth $1,650. The spending requirement is higher than the lower-tier cards, but the six-month window makes it manageable for most applicants.
Rewards structure
The Delta Reserve Card earns 3x SkyMiles on purchases directly with Delta, including flights and Delta Vacations, and 1x on other eligible purchases. The bonus category roster is narrower than the Platinum and Gold cards at lower annual fees, which is intentional: the Reserve is primarily designed for spending toward Medallion elite status rather than maximizing per-dollar mileage earn across categories. Every eligible dollar spent on the card counts toward Medallion Qualifying Dollars at a rate of one MQD per $10 spent, which is the fastest earning rate in the Delta card portfolio. The card also provides an annual MQD boost of 2,500 MQDs just for holding it, regardless of spending.
To put the MQD earning in context: Delta Silver Medallion requires 5,000 MQDs, Gold requires 10,000, Platinum requires 15,000, and Diamond requires 28,000. With the 2,500 MQD head start and one MQD per $10 spent, a cardmember spending $75,000 on the Reserve could earn Delta Gold Medallion status entirely through credit card spending. Unlimited Delta Sky Club® access unlocks after spending $75,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year.
Perks
The Reserve’s defining benefit is Delta Sky Club® access. The card provides 15 Sky Club visits per Medallion year for the primary cardmember, with each visit defined as all entries within a 24-hour period including at different airports. The card also includes four Sky Club guest passes annually, allowing the primary cardmember to bring guests without paying the standard $50 guesting fee. Additionally, the Reserve offers complimentary Centurion Lounge access when traveling on Delta the same day, which is a meaningful upgrade given the quality of the food and beverage offering in Centurion Lounges relative to most domestic airline lounges.
The annual companion certificate is valid for a roundtrip ticket within the United States and to select Caribbean and Central America destinations, and uniquely covers fare classes ranging from Delta Main all the way up to Delta First, making it the most flexible companion certificate in the portfolio. Additional perks include first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions, priority boarding, 20% back on Delta inflight purchases, the TakeOff 15 benefit saving 15% on SkyMiles award tickets on Delta, upgrade priority over same-status members without the card, complimentary upgrade eligibility even for non-elite cardmembers, Hertz President’s Circle status, up to $200 in annual Delta Stays credits, up to $240 in annual Resy credits, up to $120 in annual rideshare credits, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years. (Enrollment is required for select benefits)
Verdict: The right card for frequent Delta flyers who want Sky Club access and are serious about earning Medallion elite status. The companion certificate alone can cover the annual fee, the Sky Club access is genuinely valuable for regular travelers, and the fastest MQD earning rate in the portfolio makes this the card to hold if status is a priority. For the occasional Delta flyer, the Platinum or Gold would be a better choice.
Link: Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Runner-Up: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Welcome bonus
The annual fee (Rates & Fees) Delta Platinum Card is offering the following limited-time offer: Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 90,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
At 1.1 cents per mile, plus the statement credit, that bonus is worth $1,290. The annual fee combined with the first-year bonus value makes the opening year an exceptional proposition.
Rewards structure
The Delta Platinum earns 3x SkyMiles on purchases directly with Delta and directly with hotels, 2x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1x on everything else eligible. That is the most robust bonus category structure of any personal Delta card, and the hotel and dining earn rates are useful for a broader range of everyday spending. For status earning, the Platinum accrues one MQD per $20 spent, half the rate of the Reserve, plus the same 2,500 MQD annual head start. A cardmember would need to spend $125,000 on the Platinum to reach Delta Platinum Medallion entirely through card spending.
Perks
The Delta Platinum’s flagship ongoing perk is the annual companion certificate, valid for a roundtrip main cabin ticket within the lower 48 and to select Caribbean and Central America destinations. The certificate requires paying government taxes and fees for the companion, but for anyone who travels with a companion at least once a year, the value easily justifies the annual fee on its own. Additional perks include first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions, priority boarding, 20% back on Delta inflight purchases, TakeOff 15 savings on SkyMiles award tickets, a $150 annual Delta Stays credit, up to $120 in annual Resy credits, up to $120 in annual rideshare credits, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years.
Verdict: The best balance of perks, status earning, and annual fee in the personal Delta lineup. The companion certificate alone is worth the annual fee for most people who fly with a travel companion, and the 3x earn on Delta, hotels, dining, and groceries makes it more rewarding for everyday spending than the Reserve. If you are not interested in lounge access and are not chasing Diamond or top-tier Medallion status, the Platinum is the right personal Delta card.
Link: Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Welcome bonus
The (Rates & Fees) Delta Gold Card is offering the following limited-time welcome bonus: Apply and find out your welcome offer: As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles + Earn a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount. Offer ends 11/04/2026.
At 1.1 cents per mile, with the statement credit, that bonus is worth $1,130. This is the lowest-risk entry point in the personal Delta portfolio.
Rewards structure
The Delta Gold Card earns 2x SkyMiles on purchases directly with Delta, at restaurants globally, and at U.S. supermarkets, with 1x on everything else eligible. It does not earn MQDs toward Medallion status, which distinguishes it from the Platinum and Reserve. However, spending $10,000 on the card in a calendar year earns a $200 Delta eCredit deposited into your SkyMiles account, which is effectively a 2% return on that spending and a meaningful incentive for cardmembers who put regular spend on the card.
Perks
The Delta Gold Card includes first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions, priority boarding, 20% back on Delta inflight food and beverage purchases, TakeOff 15 savings on SkyMiles award tickets, Pay With Miles for redeeming miles at one cent each toward Delta flights, a $100 annual Delta Stays credit, and access to Amex Offers. There is no companion certificate and no MQD earning at this tier.
Verdict: The right card for the occasional Delta flyer who wants basic perks without a significant annual fee commitment. The first-year fee waiver and up to 80,000-mile welcome bonus make it an easy starting point. If after a year you find yourself flying Delta frequently enough to value a companion certificate or Medallion status progress, the Platinum is the natural upgrade.
Link: Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is Delta’s no annual fee option (Rates & Fees), offering a modest welcome bonus of 10,000 SkyMiles after spending $1,000 in six months. You’ll earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and dining, 1x on everything else eligible, and the card comes with no foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees), a nice perk that most no annual fee Amex cards still lack. You also get access to some solid extras like 20% off Delta inflight purchases, the Pay With Miles program (which means that 10,000-mile bonus is worth at least $100 in Delta travel), Amex Offers, and a complimentary ShopRunner membership.
That said, the card is hard to recommend as a first choice.
Link: Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Co-Branded Delta business cards
Delta has three Amex business cards that closely follow the personal lineup: Gold, Platinum, and Reserve. Applying for an Amex business card does not add to your Chase 5/24 count, which is worth noting if you are managing that limit. The business cards are also evaluated independently from the personal cards, meaning holding or having had a personal Delta card does not affect your eligibility for any business card bonus. The three business cards can be held simultaneously with any personal Delta cards, giving frequent Delta flyers the ability to collect multiple welcome bonuses across the full portfolio.
Top pick: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Welcome bonus
The Delta Reserve Business Card is offering an absolutely massive limited-time offer: Earn 200,000 Bonus Miles after spending $20,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/4/26.
At 1.1 cents per mile, that is worth $2,200. The spending requirement is higher than that of any other Delta card, but for a business with meaningful monthly expenses, reaching $20,000 within six months is achievable.
Rewards structure
The $650 annual fee (Rates & Fees) Delta Reserve Business earns 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases and 1x on everything else eligible, with the same MQD earning structure as the personal Reserve: one MQD per $10 spent plus the 2,500 MQD annual head start. For a business owner who wants to earn Delta Medallion status through spending and prefers to concentrate that spending on a business card, the Reserve Business is the most efficient path.
Perks
The Delta Reserve Business offers the same lounge access package as the personal Reserve: 15 Sky Club visits per Medallion year, four annual Sky Club guest passes, and complimentary Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta the same day. The companion certificate is valid for a roundtrip ticket from Delta Main through Delta First, which is the most flexible certificate in the business portfolio. Additional perks include first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions, priority boarding, 20% back on Delta inflight purchases, TakeOff 15 savings on award tickets, upgrade priority for Medallion members and complimentary upgrade eligibility for non-elite cardmembers, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years.
Verdict: The best business card for the heavy Delta business traveler who wants lounge access and the fastest path to Medallion status through spending. Pair with the personal Reserve for the full lounge benefit and to stack multiple welcome bonuses, or pair with the Platinum personal card if you want the broader bonus category structure for everyday spending.
Link: Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Delta Platinum Business American Express Card
Welcome bonus
The $350 annual fee (Rates & Fees) Delta Platinum Business Card is offering a limited-time welcome bonus of 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. At 1.1 cents per mile, that is worth $1,100.
Rewards structure
The Delta Platinum Business earns 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases, 2x at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. shipping purchases, and 1x on everything else eligible. The shipping category is a useful addition for businesses with regular shipping expenses. MQD earning is one MQD per $20 spent, the same rate as the personal Platinum, plus the 2,500 MQD annual head start.
Perks
The Delta Platinum Business includes the same main cabin companion certificate as the personal Platinum, valid for domestic roundtrip travel and select Caribbean and Central America destinations. Additional perks include first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions, priority boarding, 20% back on Delta inflight purchases, TakeOff 15 savings on award tickets, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years.
Verdict: A strong option for small business owners who fly Delta regularly and want the companion certificate perk. The welcome bonus is excellent relative to the annual fee, and the shipping bonus category adds practical value for businesses that ship frequently. A natural complement to the personal Reserve or Platinum for those looking to maximize their Delta welcome bonuses across both personal and business portfolios.
Link: Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Delta Gold Business American Express Card
Welcome bonus
The $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee (Rates & Fees) Delta Gold Business Card is offering a limited- time welcome bonus of 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. At 1.1 cents per mile, that is worth $990. The spending requirement is higher than the personal Gold but still modest for most small businesses, and the annual fee makes the opening year essentially free. Offer ends 11/4/26.
Rewards structure
The Delta Gold Business earns 2x SkyMiles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, U.S. shipping purchases, with 1x on everything else eligible. Like the personal Gold, it does not earn MQDs toward Medallion status.
Perks
The Delta Gold Business includes first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to nine companions, priority boarding, 20% back on Delta inflight purchases, TakeOff 15 savings on award tickets, and access to the Pay With Miles feature. There is no companion certificate at this tier.
Verdict: The easiest Delta business card to justify. For a small business owner who flies Delta occasionally and wants basic travel perks, this delivers good value. For businesses with heavier Delta flying or status aspirations, the Platinum or Reserve business card is worth the additional annual fee.
Link: Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Earning SkyMiles through transferable points
Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at 1:1, which means every MR point earned on an Amex card can become a SkyMile. This matters because the Amex MR cards generally offer far better per-dollar earning rates on everyday spending than any Delta co-branded card outside of Delta purchases.
The trade-off is the same as with all transferable points cards for co-branded programs: Amex MR cards do not earn MQDs toward Delta Medallion status, and they do not include the Delta-specific perks like free checked bags, companion certificates, or Sky Club access. The right strategy for most Delta flyers is to hold at least one co-branded Delta card for the perks and status earning, and use an Amex MR card for spending in categories where the earn rate is materially better.
One important note on transfers: Amex sometimes runs transfer bonuses to Delta SkyMiles, typically in the range of 20 to 30 percent. Timing a large transfer during one of those promotions can meaningfully increase the effective value of your MR points before conversion.
American Express Platinum Card®
Welcome bonus
The annual fee (Rates & Fees) Amex Platinum carries a welcome bonus that varies by offer, so I would recommend checking the current offer before applying. The card is well known for strong welcome offers, and at my valuation of 2 cents per Amex MR point, even a 100,000-point bonus is worth $2,000 at that rate, or $1,100 transferred to SkyMiles at 1.1 cents per mile. The card has significant ongoing value that makes it worth holding beyond the welcome bonus.
Rewards structure
The Amex Platinum earns 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, up to $500,000 in flight purchases per calendar year, and 1x on everything else. At my valuation of 2 cents per MR point, that is a 10% return on airfare, which is the highest earn rate available on any card for direct airline purchases. Transferred to Delta at 1:1, that is effectively 5x SkyMiles per dollar on all airfare, not just Delta. For anyone who wants to build a SkyMiles balance through flight spending across multiple carriers, no card earns more efficiently.
Perks
The Amex Platinum’s travel perks are among the strongest of any card on the market. The card includes a $200 annual airline fee credit applicable to incidental fees on one selected airline (Delta is a popular choice), access to the Amex Centurion Lounge network, a Priority Pass™ membership, Delta Sky Club® access when flying Delta the same day, up to $600 in annual hotel credits through the Fine Hotels and Resorts program (Up to $300 back semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel® when you pay with your Platinum Card® or Business Platinum Card®), up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credits, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and a number of other statement credits that can offset the annual fee. The combination of Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club access for flights on Delta makes this a compelling card for Delta flyers who also want premium lounge coverage across other airlines and airports. (Enrollment is required for select benefits)
Verdict: The best card for earning SkyMiles on airfare spending across all airlines, not just Delta. The 5x earn on direct airline purchases is unmatched, and the lounge access package including Delta Sky Club® access on Delta travel days makes this a natural complement to any Delta co-branded card. Pair with a Delta Reserve or Platinum for the checked bag, companion certificate, and MQD earning on Delta-specific spending.
Link: Learn more about American Express Platinum Card®
American Express® Gold Card
Welcome bonus
The annual fee (Rates & Fees) Amex Gold also carries a fantastic welcome bonus. The current offer is as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within the first six months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Rewards structure
The Amex Gold earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., on up to $50,000 in purchases each year, 4x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases each year, 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1x on everything else eligible. At 1.1 cents per SkyMile, the 4x on dining and groceries represents approximately a 4.4% return when transferred to SkyMiles. No Delta co-branded card offers anything close to 4x in those categories. The 3x on airfare is also competitive.
Perks
The Amex Gold includes up to $120 in annual dining credits at select restaurants and food delivery services, up to $120 in annual Uber Cash credits, and no foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees). It does not include lounge access or the extensive credit stack of the Platinum, but the dining and grocery earn rates are the primary reason to hold this card, and for people who spend heavily in those categories, the effective return can be exceptional.
Verdict: The best card for building SkyMiles through dining and grocery spending. The earn rate on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets transferred to Delta at 1:1 produces a return that no Delta co-branded card can replicate in those categories. A strong complement to a Delta Reserve or Platinum for someone who wants to maximize everyday SkyMiles earning while still holding a co-branded card for perks and MQD earning.
Link: Learn more about the American Express® Gold Card
Redeeming Delta SkyMiles
SkyMiles are most valuable for partner business class redemptions
Delta SkyMiles delivers its best value on partner awards in business class, not on Delta metal, where dynamic pricing can produce inflated redemption costs. China Airlines business class to and from Asia, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic are among the most cited high-value partner redemptions. Delta does not offer international first-class redemptions on its own metal or on most partners, which limits the ceiling on SkyMiles valuations relative to programs like AAdvantage or MileagePlus. With that said, the floor value of SkyMiles is reasonably high given the TakeOff 15 benefit and the Pay With Miles feature, both exclusive to Delta Amex cardmembers.
Amex transfer bonuses to Delta are worth timing strategically
Amex periodically runs transfer bonuses to Delta SkyMiles of 20 to 30 percent, sometimes more. If you are holding a large balance of Membership Rewards points with a specific SkyMiles redemption in mind, it is worth waiting for one of these promotions before transferring. Transferring 100,000 MR points during a 30% bonus yields 130,000 SkyMiles rather than 100,000, at no additional cost. Delta also runs its own SkyMiles award sales periodically, and having a stockpile of transferable MR points that can be converted instantly is a powerful combination when an award sale aligns with your travel plans.
Bottom line
Delta SkyMiles has one of the deepest co-branded card portfolios of any US airline, and the combination of personal and business Amex cards creates more opportunities to earn large welcome bonuses than most other programs. The once-in-a-lifetime rule makes sequencing important, but it also means that anyone who has not yet tapped the Delta card portfolio has a meaningful stack of welcome bonuses available to collect.
For the co-branded lineup, my top recommendation for most frequent Delta flyers is the Delta Reserve Card. The Sky Club access combined with the flexible first-through-economy companion certificate and the fastest MQD earning rate in the portfolio makes it the most powerful card for someone who flies Delta regularly. For the occasional Delta flyer, the Platinum strikes the better balance of perks and annual fee, and the Gold is the right starting point for anyone who wants basic benefits with minimal commitment. The business card versions of the Reserve and Platinum are worth picking up alongside their personal counterparts, given fully independent bonus eligibility and the ability to stack MQD earning across both cards.
For everyday spending beyond Delta purchases, the Amex Platinum is the best card for airfare, and the Amex Gold is the most efficient card for dining and grocery spending. Both cards transfer to Delta at 1:1, and timing those transfers to coincide with Amex transfer bonuses can stretch the value of your MR points considerably. The combination of a co-branded Delta card for perks and status, and an Amex MR card for everyday spending, is the foundation of any serious SkyMiles earning strategy.
Delta card FAQs
The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), American Express Platinum Card® (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees), and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Rates & Fees).
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